CANAAN

Canaan (Dovetail DOVE 3) 1973 UK *

If you’re tired of all those country rock homogenized Eagles clones that proliferated in the ’70s you need to check out the British group Canaan. They bring a refreshing progressive element to the genre that is lacking in their American counterparts. The guitars are cookin’ here – ‘Follow Me’ and ‘lonely Man’ both have loud acid guitar, while ‘Mr. Jones’ and ‘Jesus Revolution’ heavily utilize the reverb effect. Bob Fraser’s vocals perfectly suit the style Harmonica and synths on occasion. Overall upbeat feel. Touch of ’70s Moody Blues in here. (Ken Scott – The Archivist).

This album is certainly filled with a nice bubbly joy! Perhaps a little to bubbly for a start…but I skipped over the first three tracks and then it was as if I was listening to Buffallo Springfield, Byrds, but with something quite authentic. Follow Me, seems to have a distinctive Paul Clark feel. Seventeen..mmm? JESUS REVOLUTION is a wonderful anthem. Then Seek First The Kingdom for all of its 1.57 minutes was actually quite lovely. But my favourite track is ‘Peace of Dreams’, they really know how to live inside a song and I really like the long ones…YEAH, the guitars are beautiful…great recording…!!! Thanks diakoneo..for making my day…

Wait..I thought track 9 was it…and certainly is a beautiful track.. Track 10…(what a suprise!)…’You make me happy Lord, yes you do!’ (wow! nice chorus and the drums so on the spot…nice!!!) Hey, they are shouting..”I love Jesus!!!” Kewl…

I just skipped along the last track and it is perfect for chilling and working..thanks brother YOU RAWK!

I had downloaded the other Canaan album Out of the Wilderness from the site some time ago and for whatever reason found it difficult to get into. I almost passed up on this but am glad I didn’t. With the exception of the first three okay tracks this is an outstanding album. Byrd, Flying Burrito Brothers, Stephen Stills Manassas are good points of reference. Bob H.